As a way to provide more opportunities for homeless individuals living out of their vehicles, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer on April 16 announced the expansion of the City’s Safe Parking Program with a third lot where people can park overnight and that – for the first time – allows recreational vehicles.
Joined at a Mission Valley parking lot near SDCCU Stadium by City Councilmember Scott Sherman and representatives from Jewish Family Service (JFS), Faulconer said the City plans to open the parking lot to cars and RVs within the next 45 days. JFS manages the City’s other two safe parking lots and will run the new lot as well, bringing case managers, housing specialists and more to the site to help individuals move toward long-term stable housing. 
The lot, located near the corner of Friars Road and Mission Village Drive, will operate between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. and will include holistic services focused on basic needs assistance, employment, family wellness, school success, financial education, credit repair and housing. This lot can accommodate up to 80 RVs or 200 standard vehicles.
The other two City-run Safe Parking lots combine to accommodate 120 cars and up to 200 people per night. There are also two safe parking lots operated in the City by a private non-profit organization.
“Often when someone becomes homeless for the first time, they end up living in their car and don’t know where else to turn,” Faulconer said. “The Safe Parking Program helps those individuals find a stable place to stay while they access services, look for a job and, ultimately, find a permanent place to call home. San Diegans are a compassionate people, and this will give those down on their luck a chance to get back on their feet.”
Since 2014, the City of San Diego has helped more than 7,500 people find a permanent or long-term home with assistance programs such as rapid rehousing, family reunification, housing vouchers and landlord engagement. The Safe Parking Program, along with the City’s three Bridge Shelters, are interim programs that help people stabilize their situation while they access resources critical to getting them ready for long-term housing.
“With the expansion of the Safe Parking Program to three lots and including RVs, Jewish Family Service will be able to assist approximately 300 individuals and families each night, while they seek more permanent housing,” said Jewish Family Service of San Diego CEO Michael Hopkins. “Our goal is always to holistically help clients, so that they can get back on their feet and into a home. This may include providing them access to food, transportation, benefits assistance and much more. We strive to help all San Diegans move their lives forward,” Hopkins said. “Every Council district must do their part to help solve San Diego’s homeless crisis,” Sherman said. “I am proud that the District 7 community continues to provide safe locations and services to improve the lives of those most in need. I would hope that Council districts who do not have these facilities will join in soon.”